I'm ready for this week to be over. I would say I'm happy it's Wednesday, being that would mean that it's almost over, but no, I've wanted it over since Monday about 10:00am. Not that it's been horrible, but really the accumulation of crap has left me quite underwhelmed. Seriously, I had to find my happy place yesterday. In case you were wondering, that place is always my kitchen...

The last think anyone wants to hear is my silly frustrations with the week. Tony did indeed get picked for jury duty despite his attempt to look like lumber jack. What can I say, I have a thing for the mountain man look he's sporting these days. They asked him about how long he had been married and some personal stuff about work. I told him they picked him because he was reliable and loyal. UGH! So, this one car family that owns there own business doesn't get paid much this week. Luckily I have some online work to do! Being self employed has it's perks and this is not one of them.

I will share the recipes from my mental cooking cleanse in the next few posts. How do you deal with stupid stress? Oh, my workout helped too! The baking really helped.

Hopefully the trial won't last long. That really makes it hard when you are in a situation like yours. It's not just missing work. It's missing a paycheck and not having a vehicle! That salad looks fantastic maybe with that roll on the side ;-)

It can be really hard to get caught up in stress - stressors you can't even control. Just try to focus on what you can control and those little things that make the day good.

I love the idea of eating artys on an omelet. Totally copying off you with that one soon. And like I said on the book of faces, those rolls are blowing my mind. The little flecks... flax, I presume? Flax gives food such a neat kick - in appearance as well as taste. It LOOKS like it tastes good.

Boo about jury duty! My daddy got stuck doing it a month ago. But he got through it pretty quickly. Hopefully this case doesn't last long for Tony.

As for stress - did you check out Iris' latest post at the Daily Dietribe. Exactly what she talks about is exactly what I've been doing. Basically - we've both been saying no to stuff. When we feel overwhelmed, we figure out what can be cut from our itinerary, cut it, get done the most important stuff, then relax. It helps to just say "EFF THIS" sometimes, and go watch TV or read a book.

I've also been trying to schedule my time more effectively. This is simplistic, but for someone recovering from a year of constant drinking, like myself, it's really helped me get my life back on track. I've been trying to set aside time for specific tasks. I'm also working to get those tasks done quickly. Grading papers can take me HOURS. Recently - and as a teacher this sounds HORRIBLE - I've been cutting back on how much I sweat over my students' papers and class planning. (I really overdo it sometimes). There's a set amount of time I take to grade papers and plan. And I will get it done in that amount of time. By six o'clock, I'm done working. No matter what. Allowing myself to stop at the same time every day REALLY HELPS!

And - as Iris says in her brilliant post - the world keeps turning. :-)

geez, those rolls look perfect. PERFECT. I want one right now, fluffy warm and covered in earth balance.

sorry his 'look' didn't turn them off... Jason once did the same thing, wearing an old t shirt and shorts - his standard drummer outfit when his band played shows. I think he also wore his wallet on a chain. it worked.

Oh Sarena- Sorry about your stressful week. Darn it friend. Hopefully it goes by fast. Looks like you've created some pretty marvelous things in the kitchen though. YUM. If you were closer I'd give you my dirty car to take anywhere. Ha ha. Hugs!!!

Perhaps there is something in the air right now. I am seriously feeling the same way about this week. I have been overwhelmed with a number of different projects and work-related items on top of having no activities planned for the kiddos (which meant they were home and stir-crazy all week). So glad the weekend is finally here!! And...I am so making your monkey bread this weekend. That sounds amazing!